Russell M. Blau

Russ represents telecommunications carriers in litigation and arbitration matters, as well as formal complaint proceedings before the FCC. In appellate proceedings, he obtained key rulings on carrier interconnection rights [Southwestern Bell Tel. Co. v. Waller Creek Communications, Inc., 221 F.2d 812 (5th Cir. 2000)], and on the applicability of interconnection contract terms to Internet access traffic [Starpower Communications, LLC v. FCC, 334 F.3d 1150 (D.C. Cir. 2003)].

Additionally, Russ is involved in regulatory policy issues relating to telecommunications and Internet competition before the FCC and state utility commissions. He represents telecommunications carriers in key FCC proceedings implementing the Telecommunications Act of 1996. He led the fight for expanded interconnection rights for competitive telecommunications carriers, widely recognized as the first step along the road to local telephone competition. [In re Expanded Interconnection with Local Telephone Company Facilities, CC Docket No. 91-141, Report and Order and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, 7 FCC Rcd. 7369 (1992)]. Recently, Russ played a leading role in regulatory battles over FCC forbearance policies, the status of Voice over Internet Protocol services, and the FCC’s reform of high-cost universal service and intercarrier compensation rules.

Russ also advises clients on federal and state regulatory issues, including those arising in securities offerings, mergers, acquisitions, and other corporate transactions. He advises clients on Internet issues, including drafting of peering and transit agreements, FCC proceedings involving reciprocal compensation and access charges, and issues relating to domain name assignments and Internet governance.

Prior to joining Morgan Lewis, Russ was a partner in the corporate practice of another international law firm.